How Much Does It Cost to Install a Railing on Concrete Steps?

Adding a railing to a patio, porch, or concrete steps can make the structure more accessible and safer, so there’s less fear of slipping and falling on a snowy or rainy day. In fact, any backyard patio or front porch that’s more than 30 inches off the ground requires a railing to adhere to building codes.

The cost to install a new 5-foot-long railing is around $700, but the cost may be higher for longer steps, or an entire patio. Opting for custom wrought-iron, cable, or fiberglass railings can drive costs upward of $1,150 for a 5-foot section, while vinyl or wood railings cost about $275 for the same length. Adding a railing to a 10-foot-long front patio would double that cost.

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How Much Does It Cost to Install a Railing by Size?

Installing new railings on a concrete patio, porch, or set of steps costs an average of $80 per foot, but prices can range from $50 to $230 per foot, depending on the material you choose.

Labor adds up to about $30 per foot, so be sure to factor that into your costs if you need a longer railing. If you only need a railing to accompany three to five steps, you’d spend $250 to $1,150 for a 5-foot-long railing.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Railing Yourself?

You can save about $30 per foot (the cost of labor) by installing a railing yourself. But because railings are for safety purposes, it’s best left to a local stair railing installation specialist. If you don’t anchor the railing properly, it could lead to injuries.

If you have the proper training and decide to DIY, expect to spend about $320 to $380 on tools and materials to get the job done.

Outdoor Railing Cost Factors

This project requires the railing itself, plus anchors, and tools to install the railing or labor if you hire a pro.

Materials

The materials for the railing cost about $320 to $380, with the price depending heavily on the length of the railing you need for the project type. A few steps require about 5 feet of railing, but the average, full-sized staircase requires 25 feet of railing. Patios and porches can require even more railing.

• Anchors: Your new railing will require anchors, fasteners, or connectors to securely attach the railing to the steps, and these items will cost $10 to $20.

• Tools: You’ll need a hammer drill with a masonry bit, which costs about $50 to $100. A level, measuring tape, and safety goggles are also handy for this project and cost $20 to $30 total.

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  Railing: The railing will cost approximately $80 per linear foot. The total cost depends on how much railing you need and the material you choose. A 5-foot handrail made from steel costs around $250.

Labor

You can hire a stair rail installation specialist or general contractor in your area to add new railings for about $30 per foot. Some contractors may prefer to charge hourly rates at $60 to $200 per hour. It may take about eight hours to install a railing measuring up to 10 linear feet.

“If you’re doing this yourself, be sure to learn the stair rail code for your area,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and Raleigh, NC-based general contractor. “There are very specific requirements for everything, including the height of the railing, maximum space between the balusters, and amount of gap between the bottom rail and the top of each step.”

Length

The cost of a railing project will be largely dependent upon the length of the railing. Depending on the type of material, expect to pay about $110 per linear foot for the railing, which includes the cost of labor, which is about $30 per foot, and the cost of material, which is about $80 per foot. A 10-foot railingwill cost between $900 and $1,500, depending on the type of material.

Type of Structure

The type of structure will largely dictate how much railing you’ll need to do the job. Expect to pay between $100 and $250 for a railing to run along a set of 3-foot high steps that ascend from a walk to a front door.

Larger structures, such as an elevated front porch with an open side that measures 8 feet long and 5 feet deep, will cost around $1,400 for a railing.

However, a railing for a large10-foot-deep-by-20-foot-long elevated back patio will cost between $2,000 to $4,400, depending on the rail’s material.

Weatherproofing

You can add coating to wick away moisture or make the railing more resistant to harsh weather. These additions cost $20 to $85 per gallon.

Number of Steps

The number and size of the steps can add to the cost since more steps require a longer railing. Standard staircases need approximately 25 feet of railing, while front door steps (depending on the length of your walkway) may need 10 feet or less of railing.

Custom Designs

Adding your own unique flair to your stair railings, such as intricate designs in a wrought-iron railing or custom colors for a metal railing, can cost up to $900 per linear foot.

Permits

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In most cases, you’ll need to obtain a building permit for $20 to $30 to install a new railing. Because they are a safety feature, stair rails need to meet certain building codes.

“Be sure to check with your HOA or any other group that regulates appearance,” says Tschudi. “We were restoring a 1859 home and were informed by the historic society that the iron railing on the steps was circa 1950s. It had to be removed and replaced with a period-specific style. Likewise, some HOAs have specific requirements on railing styles.”

How Much Do Railings Cost by Material?

Railing materials can vary from around $20 to over $200 per linear foot, not including the cost of installation. Vinyl, PVC, and wood railings are some of the least expensive options. Wrought iron is a common choice but is more expensive than many other materials.

Aluminum

Aluminum railings for concrete steps cost $40 to $60 per foot. Metal railings are a durable choice, but they can be hot or cold to the touch, depending on the weather. Aluminum is one of the most affordable metal options, but it doesn’t last as long as stainless steel or wrought iron.

Steel

Like aluminum, steel railing costs about $40 to $60 per foot. Stainless steel holds up well against the elements, like rain and wind.

Wrought Iron

Installing wrought iron railing costs $50 to $120 per foot. This material is long-lasting and adds an elevated look, but it is the most expensive metal railing option.

Wood

Wood is a reliable and cost-effective choice at $28 per foot, but it may require weather-resistant coatings or paint if you live in a rainy, snowy, or windy location. Without sealant, wood railings can rot and require replacement.

Vinyl

Vinyl and other plastic-based railings are a less expensive option, costing $25 per foot. One major benefit of vinyl railings is that they are durable against rain and wind, although harsh sunlight may cause the color to fade over time. However, vinyl railings aren’t considered as attractive as wood or wrought iron.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass stair rails are commonly found in commercial settings rather than residential homes and cost around $150 per foot. This type of railing is lighter than steel without compromising support, and it’s not susceptible to rust like metal railings are.

Cable

Cable railings cost $50 to $200 per linear foot and are a popular option for outdoor staircases and decks. Cable railings won’t interrupt views of your charming neighborhood or woodsy backyard while still offering safety and support, but they can be a more costly option.

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Categories: Outdoor